I have a springfield m1a and was deciding which scope to use. The
reviews on the SS have been great and now I need to know which one to
buy. I'll be mostly shooting on the range at 100-400 yards.
Also, I was wondering about the side focus adjustment on the
10x42M. Is it worth the extra $100? What is the advantage
of having one?

I have a 20x and I just ordered a 10x with side focus. I am convinced the 10x is the right choice for most people.

Ouch - on an M1a. Wonderful Rifle - VERY - Difficult to place a scope on due to the stock being so far below where your cheek needs to be. For your head to be in line with the scope you need some type of ckeek pad. The best system is a replacement stock that McMillan makes like what is on the M-25. I have struggled with several scopes on my M1a and it currently has an Aimpoint which due to design does not require perfect head position to be accurate. I have the base from Springfield with the two huge screws like on an M21 but there are some gunsmiths that can set the base up like an M-25 which is lower and much better. Good Luck

Rest assured you will like the scope although it will likely end up on a bolt action rifle unless you make major modifications to the M1a.

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".Bobby Paul DohertyTexas Ranger

Well I bought the 10x. I don't have much choice in stock, since
the ones I like might not be Cali legal. I'm now researching
cheek pads.
Also, I just got the 3rd gen Springfield scope mount and installed
it. It is not centered. It is a couple of mm to the right
of center (from the rear sight). I called SA and they said that
was the design. Can anyone confirm? Thx.

I'll have to look when I get home but sounds like it should work. The 10x is the right choice you will love it. Keep the rings as low as possible. I found a fix for you at m idwayusa.com The Nylon one listed first looks like the best system that I have seen and if you don't have the t handle roller greaser you need it to put grease in and press it into the bolt roller also a must have is the cleaning rod muzzle guide. The leather cheekpad below that is the one I have seen in the past that is just not high enough to work well so I would get the Nylon one.

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